The
First Flame Of Attraction

I started this over Christmas in 2011 and it took a year to
finish. For some reason I didn't enjoy doing it and forced myself to work on
it. I've made a stern promise to myself to finish all the paintings I start.
Anyone can start something can't they?

As you can see from the second photo I was going to have a man in
the distance watching the woman but when I stepped back he looked like a
miniature man sat on the main hand holding the lighter. I quickly replaced him
with some lampshades.

The lady is from the 1940's judging by the hat, gloves and bright
lipstick. I tried to make that cigarette lighter shiny silver. You used to be
able to hear the gas burning on those big old Zippo lighters didnít you? I can
remember going to the cinema and in the foyer thereíd be a huge decorative ash
tray almost the size of a bin lid on legs. There were ash trays on the back of
every seat, too. Thick blue-grey smoke used to rise up through the projected
film. Those were the days Ė watching Jaws or Digby, The Biggest Dog In The World while eating a Curly Wirley
and pack of Treats. Slush had not been available in those days so I had Tizer.

I didnít have any silver-coloured paint so I had to mess about
with black, white and grey to try to create a shine effect. I finished the
painting and it was only once Iíd cleaned my brushes I realised I had forgotten
the flame.